full moons look large on clear
nights at this time of the year."

"Then you _have_ studied the moon?" cried Dr. Bird with delight. "I was
sure--"

* * * * *

He broke off his speech suddenly and listened. From a distance came the
mournful howl of a dog. It was answered in a moment by another howl from
a different direction. Dog after dog took up the chorus until the air
was filled with the melancholy wailing of the animals.

"See, Bolton," remarked the Doctor, "even the dogs feel the chastening
influence of the Lady of Night and repent of the sins of their youth and
the follies of their manhood, or should one say doghood? Come along. I
feel that the call of duty must tear us away from the contemplation of
the beauties of nature."

He led the way to Bolton's car and got in without further words. A
half-hour later, Bolton led the way into the White House. A word to the
secret service operative on guard at the door admitted him and his
party, and he led the way to the newly constructed solarium where the
President slept. An operative stood outside the door.

"What word, Brady?" asked Bolton in a whisper.

"He seems worse, sir. I doubt if he has slept at all. Admiral Clay has
been in several times, but he didn't do much good. There, listen! The
President is getting up again."

* * * * *

From behind the closed door which confronted them came sounds of a
person rising from a bed and pacing the floor, slowly at first, and then
more and more rapidly, until it was almost a run. A series of groans
came to the watchers and then a long drawn out howl. Bolton shuddered.

"Poor devil!" he muttered.

Dr. Bird shot a quick glance around.

"Where is Admiral Clay?" he asked.

"He is sleeping upstairs. Shall I call him?"

"No. Take me to his room."

The President's naval physician opened the door in response to Bolton's
knock.

"Is he worse?" he demanded anxiously.

"I don't think so, Admiral," replied Bolton. "I want to introduce you to
Dr. Bird of the Bureau of Standards. He wants to talk with you about the
case."

"I am honored, Doctor," said the physician as he grasped the scientist's
outstretched hand. "Come in. Pardon my appearance, but I was startled
out of a doze when you knocked. Have a chair and tell me how I can serve
you."

Dr. Bird drew a notebook from his pocket.

"I have received certain dates in connection with the President's malady